I am a photographer, Graphic Designer and a stay-at-home-mom who enjoys blogging and writing reviews. Photography and cars are my passion. I post about various topics including health & beauty, events, automotive, music, film, travel, food, and sometimes giveaway contests.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Recipe: Pesto Pizza for Backyard Barbecues

If you haven’t yet harvested your basil, now’s the time! Here’s an easy Pesto Pizza recipe you can make with Kontos ready-made pizza crusts on the backyard grill.

Want to add a touch of ethnic flair to your next backyard gathering? Try serving a delicious, easy-to-make pesto pizza. With summer in full swing and home gardens at their peak, now is a great time to grab a bunch of that fresh basil you’ve been growing and turn it into something wonderful.

Demetrios Haralambatos, executive chef at Kontos Foods, a New Jersey provider of Mediterranean flatbreads and other foods, has developed this recipe just for backyard cooks. These personal-sized pizzas are simple to make. Toast them up outside on the grill, cut and serve.

PREPARATION:
1. Pre-heat your outdoor grill, to high heat, with cover down.
2. In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pour in olive oil slowly while still mixing. Stir in salt and pepper.
3. Spoon pesto mixture onto each Pizza Parlor Crust, spreading evenly.
4. Top with shredded or crumbled cheese.
5. Place all four pizzas on the grill. Cover, heat for 2 minutes. or until crust reaches desired crispiness.
6. Remove from grill, place on cutting board. Using a pizza cutter, cut into wedges and serve.

Note: Don’t have a green thumb? No worries! Just pick up a jar of ready-made pesto sauce, located in your grocer’s aisle near the other pasta sauces.

“Hot summer days and balmy nights are the perfect time for backyard gatherings. This special pesto pizza recipe goes great with a crispy white wine, such as a Soave, or, pair it with a Pinot Noir, light Chianti or Rose,” said Steve Kontos, vice president and owner of Kontos Foods. “The best thing is, you can make or buy pesto sauce ahead of time, and create these pizzas for guests in just a few minutes – no hot oven required!”